Dubai: Special meeting of Gulf Karnataka Forum to be held on 25 June 2010

Mangalore Today News Network

Dubai, 24 June 2010: A special meeting of Gulf Karnataka Forum (GKF) will be held on Friday, 25th June 2010 from 10 am at Yashmin Hall, Lotus Metro downtown Hotel, Deira Dubai. This special meeting will be attended by Captain Ganesh Karnik, Deputy Chairman , NRI Karnataka Forum, Mr. M.K. Lokesh, Indian Ambassador , UAE and Mr. Oscar Fernandes, MP.

The origin of the GKF can be traced to 28th may 2010 when the heads of most of the UAE Karnataka organizations met in Dubai under the patronage of Mr. B.R. Shetty and approved the proposal to form the Gulf Karnataka Forum (GKF) as one platform and one voice representing all people of Karnataka living in the Gulf countries.

The GKF is a non profit forum and a platform irrespective of language, religion and social and economic status was conceived by two individuals with the support of Capt. Ganesh Karnik, Deputy Chairman of NRI Karnataka Forum, Government of Karnatka and Mr. M.K. Lokesh, Indian Ambassador to UAE and unanimously supported by all the heads of organizations who were present at the meeting.

The chief objectives of GKF include providing a single platform to the people of Karnataka residing in the Gulf countries; giving an opportunity for interaction among the people of Karnataka in the Gulf region and representing their needs, aspirations and common interests; finding lasting solutions for the long standing concerns of Non-Resident Kannadigas (NRKs) in the Gulf; bringing about a better understanding and coordination between the NRKs and both state and central government authorities; promotion of religious harmony, literacy, knowledge and entrepreneurship; and helping the week, needy and exploited NRKs.

A six member delegation led by Mr. B.R. Shetty met the Cheif Minister of Karnataka Mr. Yeddyurappa, who is also the Chairman of NRI Karnataka Forum and Capt. Ganesh Karnik during the Global Investors’ Meeting on 2nd and 3rd June 2010 and discussed various long standing pending issues of NRKs. The Chief Minister extended his support for the GKF. He also requested Capt. Ganesh Karnik to meet GKF members on 25th June 2010 at Dubai. In view of these developments a special meeting will be held on 25th June 2010 at Dubai.